Seven Tips for Healthier Tailgating

Mind your meat.

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Good luck finding a tailgate party that isn't serving some type of meat. "Typically at tailgate parties, the biggest sources of fat and calories are barbecued ribs, deep-fried chicken wings, hot dogs, and brats," Dulan says. "Even before you add the bun and condiments, hot dogs have about 140 calories and a whopping 12 grams of fat. Brats have almost 200 calories and 17 grams of fat. Neither has very much protein. And guys rarely eat only one."

You should skip the über-processed meats and gristly beef and pork ribs altogether, Dulan says. Instead, grill – do not fry – lean chicken breasts or pork tenderloins, which have far less fat and more protein to fill you up. If you're dead set on wings, Dulan suggests baking them in the oven at home instead of deep-frying. For all meat, use dry rubs made from spices and fresh herbs rather than saucy marinades packed with oil, butter, salt, and sugar.